Page:Old Deccan Days.djvu/157

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X.


HOW THE SUN, THE MOON, AND THE WIND,
WENT OUT TO DINNER.


ONE day the Sun, the Moon, and the Wind went out to dine with their uncle and aunt, the Thunder and Lightning. Their mother (one of the most distant stars you see far up in the sky) waited alone for her children's return.

Now both the Sun and the Wind were greedy and selfish. They enjoyed the great feast that had been prepared for them, without a thought of saving any of it to take home to their mother—but the gentle Moon did not forget her. Of every dainty dish that was brought round she placed a small portion under one of her beautiful long finger-nails, that the Star might also have a share in the treat.[1]

On their return, their Mother, who had kept watch for them all night long with her little bright eye, said, 'Well, children, what have you brought home for me?' Then the Sun (who was eldest) said, 'I have brought nothing home for you. I went out to enjoy myself with my friends—not to fetch a dinner for my

  1. See Notes.
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